We Should Welcome Haitian Refugees To Our Shores

May 19, 1994

It never ceases to amaze me that a flow of people escaping from the horror that Haiti has become is called an "onslaught" or a "flood," while a similar flow of Cubans escaping hunger and poverty is never commented upon. How easy it must be for our governor to see only the Haitian refugees as a problem, while welcoming and courting the Cuban refugees.

Well, America was built on refugees and exiles. And America was committed to protecting those who faced persecution. I do not recall the Statue of Liberty having a clause on its base that adds "unless it is inconvenient" to "Give me your tired, your poor ..."

The only difference between the Haitians seeking our shores now and the Cubans who have sought haven here for three decades is race. And it is nothing less than pathetic that our government reacts on that basis. As a Miami native, I have seen the Mariel refugees arrive, and I have seen the 1960s' Cuban arrivals. And I believe that, ultimately, this has been good for South Florida. I am anxious and willing to help our Haitian neighbors who are reaching out to us, just like the Cubans in 1960.

The fact that they are in need should be all we look at. The fact that they are living under tyranny is all that matters. America always has, and always will, find a way to care for the world's neediest. And, folks, the Haitian people top that list right now.